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Opiate dependence is the particular condition in humans in which the neurochemistry and receptor sites of the brain change, causing the need for opiates becomes biological, such as the need for food or air.

Is there a solution for opiate dependence?

Opiate dependence is a chronic condition that occurs again and its treatment is a long process. There is a whole spectrum of possibilities when it comes to the treatment of opiate dependence, psychosocial interventions in home conditions (including therapeutic communities) or the principle of self-help groups such as Anonymous drug addicts(ADA) to medical treatment, including substitution treatment or detoxification regimes in outpatient settings, including specialized health centers. Different forms of treatment are not mutually exclusive, but can operate together for patients with different needs. Some of these have proved to be more successful than others. Substitution treatment given to appropriate health standards has proved effective in producing many positive outcomes both for the individual and for society, in a manner that:

Reduce illegal drug use

Improve physical, mental and social condition of the patient

It improves the quality of life of the patient and his family

Reduces risk behavior

Reduce public spending in health care

Reduce public spending in the justice system

Scientific evidence has shown that opiate addiction is best treated by a combination of continuing outpatient therapy, medication, and monitoring, with the aim of keeping patients on treatment. Substitution treatment and special methadone maintenance therapy in combination with the relevant social, health and psychological services have the greatest chance of being one of the most effective treatments for the opiate dependence.

What is substitution treatment?

Opiate dependence is difficult to control due to compulsive drug use and its repeated use, despite the negative health and social consequences. Substitution treatment is a form of health care for opiate dependence using a similar or identical substance with properties and actions similar to the drug normally used. This type of substance is called an agonist. Agonists can be replaced by a substance that is used to provide a more controlled type of addiction. Using them alleviates many of the withdrawal symptoms that people addicted to various psychoactive substances often experience and reduces health and social risks; when administered in the right doses, also reduces craving for opiates. Methadone is an example of the opioid agonist.

Other drugs that are prescribed for the treatment of opiate dependence are buprenorphine, naltrexone, naloxone etc. The benefit of substitution treatment lies in the opportunities it provides for dependent drug users to reduce their exposure to risk behaviors and to stabilize their lives in health and social terms. It is desirable for substitution drugs to have a longer duration of action of the drug they are replacing to delay the emergence of withdrawal and reduce the frequency of dosing. This helps the person to focus on normal life activities without the need to obtain and administer drugs.

What are the aims of substitution treatment?

Helps the patient to remain healthy, with appropriate care and support which achieve life without illegal drugs

Reduces the use of illegal drugs and medications that are not prescribed

Solves problems related to drug abuse

Reduces the risk of death due to overdose, HIV, hepatitis B and C and other blood-borne infections

There are different definitions of alcoholism, but they all basically point out that each repeated drinking of alcohol, regardless of the quantity and frequency, which ruins person’s health and/or creates social problems and difficulties is consider to be alcoholism. Alcoholism is a social-medical disease, which is caused by permanent and excessive consumption of alcohol. Therefore, alcoholism is not a vice, but a disease!

Stages of treatment of alcoholism:

· Diagnostic – This is an assessment of the physical health of the patient (whilst recognizing blood analysis, ECG, specialist examinations). The goal is to discover the consequences of alcohol use and to regenerate organs that were damaged. At this stage is conducted psychodiagnostic – testing the level of desire for alcohol, the degree of nervousness, depression, sleep disorders; evaluation of criticality according to their condition, motivation, personality changes in the patient; assessment of the degree of preservation of memory, intelligence, voluntary mechanisms of the patient. Gathered information is of great importance in the formation of the correct treatment program.

Detoxification – This represents detoxification from alcohol and its toxic residues, removal of unpleasant and dangerous symptoms of abstinence syndrome. After several days of drunkenness, there is the risk of epileptic seizure or alcoholic delirium. Therefore, it is an important detoxification moment, it is not only the infusion of vitamins, hepatoprotection, amino acids, and more complex preparations which protect the brain, normalizes heart, liver, kidney, peripheral nervous system. The most common diseases associated with alcohol are polyneuropathy, hypertension, hepatosis, hepatitis, stenocardia, pancreatitis, diabetes, encephalopathy. The process of detoxification lasts from one to two days for a simple case and from five to seven days with heavy drinking patients.

The stabilization of the psyche – After the patient passes the withdrawal syndrome and starts to feel better, unfortunately, addiction does not pass. At this moment starts the most important phase of treatment – a phase which forms a negative attitude towards alcohol, crashes his appeal. There is a whole range of methods that allow the patient not to feel a lack, deprivation of alcohol, but also to feel comfortable while sober. In addition to discussions and tablets modern medicine has many effective ways. This is an aversive therapy that forms the aversion to alcohol, on a subconscious level, N.E.T. therapy that removes hormone imbalance that caused satisfaction by using alcohol. Information Therapy, audio-visual stimulation and hypnosis help to recover the personality of the patient, from a common value system as a habit. After the mental state of the patient stabilizes, the desire for alcohol reduces, and mood, sleep, memory normalize. The process of psycho-correction includes different types of psychotherapy – individual, group, family. Education, transactional analysis, symbol drama, behavior therapy – for each patient and the method that suits him/her best. At this stage, close family members are actively engaged.

· Blockade – This is an important component that ensures the safety of treatment results. Use of medicinal products shall be established a strong reaction of intolerance to alcohol. Use of the smallest amount of beer or wine is accompanied by thunderous effects on the body. The use of alcohol becomes impossible. Pharmacological prohibition of alcohol under the rule lasts a year. One of the most important stages in a total treatment of addicts phase is the preservation of the results.

If you go through the basic stages of the traditional 12 step program, you can begin to notice that they seem inflexible. All patients undergo the same procedure and are expected to make improvements following the same steps. If the user doesn’t get better at the expected pace or has an impediment, the program is never guilty (because many of its followers believe the 12 step program to be infallible).

Blaming the patient, who is already sad and disappointed because of their fight, will only push them further away from recovery. Maybe you can take a moment and imagine how exhausted you would feel if someone said that you did not put in the effort, even if you are just trying to make through one of the hardest things anyone can hope to do.

Alternative, non 12 step programs rely on a highly individualized treatment plan. These plans remain flexible, which means that if the patient does not move to the rhythm of the program (whether it is positive or negative), the program adapts to the needs of the patient. If something does not give the desired results, you need to change your approach until something starts to improve. This clearly speaks about that there is no one-size-for-all approach when it comes to patients in recovery.

The traditional 12 step approach suggests that drug addiction and alcohol addiction is an incurable disease. Patients can combat this lifelong problem by regularly participating in meetings. Maybe it works for some, but others may feel discouraged that they somehow always are at a disadvantage, no matter how hard they try.

Non-traditional programs look at drug addiction or alcohol abuse as a problem, a very serious problem. In fact, they accept and recognize that this is a problem that can be fatal if not engaged. However, they also show that this is a problem that has a solution. The solution is a long-term recovery and treatment options.

Non 12 Step program

12 Step program

Treatment approach

Using evidence-based scientific approaches to the treatment of addiction and constantly evolving as scientific knowledge evolves.

It is necessary to complete a series of 12 steps on the basis of powerlessness and acceptance of God or higher power. Access has no scientific basis, but it helps a lot.

Length of treatment

In terms of meeting attendance, these are similar to the 12 step program that there is not set period of membership. Non-12 step program of recovery has different lengths of treatment.

They have no set length of treatment. Some people attend meetings for several months while others attend for life. The standard length of residential treatment programs with 12 steps components will vary – usually 30, 60 or 90 days.

Cost

Meetings are also available. The cost of a residential program using an approach that is not-12 steps to recovery will vary.

The meetings are free to attend. The only requirement is that you must stop drinking or using drugs. The cost of residential treatment including a 12 step philosophy will be different.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is very seriously taken, so it won’t give up any information of the patient.

Confidentiality is very seriously taken, so it won’t give up any information of the patient.

Closed vs. Opened meetings

They differ from one to another program, but meetings are mostly opened unless listed as closed.

Mostly opened for other people to attend, and there are also closed, only for the 12 step members.

Individual vs. Group

Although they have a group environment, the focus is on finding a strategy that works for you and to develop these skills.

They have a group mentality, in which members share experiences and help each other achieve.

Philosophy

Typical approaches depending on the scientific and psychological perspective.

Have a spiritual and religious component.

Family support

There is a SMART Recovery support group for friends and family of the addicted ones.

When you or someone in your environment is ready to get help for substance abuse problems, you need to decide whether inpatient rehab is the right option for you. As all things, and this type of treatment has advantages and disadvantages. It is important that you consider all the factors involved so that you or your loved ones can get the appropriate type of help to overcome abuse or addiction .Having someone who is struggling with addiction and recognizes that there is a problem, the following question arises, “What do I do next?” This kind of rehabilitation not only provides around the clock care but also enables long-term changes.

The main characteristic of inpatient drug treatment is that the person who signs up in such a facility must remain there until the end of the program. Treatment can take up to 28 days or 90 days depending on the specific needs of the patient. The patient first undergoes a process of detoxification, followed by counseling and implementation of therapy.

Advantages of inpatient drug rehab

Those who start this kind of rehabilitation receive something that will help them to recover, and that the time and focus. The choice between right and wrong program can represent the difference between relapse and a life of sobriety.

There are many advantages of inpatient drug rehab programs that an individual cannot obtain in any other place.

Physical advantages

If someone has a physical dependence on the drug, stopping taking these substances is likely to lead to the complete withdrawal of the drug. This means that in every good inpatient rehab centers, the initial focus will be on detoxification, which will help the patient during the period of withdrawal. This virtually eliminates the risk of an overdose (because the patient has no access to drugs) and it dramatically increases the chances of success. These rehab centers take addicts out of the environment in which they started using drugs. People think that the desire for using drugs ’simply happens’, but such things as sounds, smells or sights could be a specific trigger. Stress can also be a great factor. In this facilities, patients are safe from all this and they can avoid it.

Psychological advantages

There are a lot of psychological therapies offered in these centers. A wide range of treatment relates to the current state of the transition to abstinence, the patient’s drug history, and their future recovery. Good programs will offer numerous psychotherapy options. The reason for this distinction is that there are not the same persons, which means that their individual circumstances will determine the different types and styles of treatment that might suit them.

Emotional advantages

Some facilities find that these are spiritual or mental benefits, depending on the philosophy of the program, the emotional benefits that patients receive during their stay in inpatient drug rehab centers cannot and should not be minimized. Although physical dependence on drugs is an integral part of addiction, peace of mind and emotional stability that the individuals get in these institutions offer a critical component in their treatment.

Just imagine, no sick or screaming kids, no stress from work, there is no tension between people, there is no arguing with friends or family members or payments of bills. All this gives them the opportunity to focus solely on their recovery.

In science, the term drug is used for products of plants, animals, and minerals that have curative properties. In everyday language, this term is used for narcotic drugs that are psychoactive substances (those substances that alter the state of mind, mood, and behavior). Their repeated consumption can lead to addiction. Due to numerous unwanted and harmful effects of the production and marketing of these substances, they are either illegal activities (e.g. production of opium, cocaine, etc.) or strictly controlled by the state (for drugs such as amphetamines, morphine, etc.).

Modern Classification of Diseases defines all health disorders that may occur due to the intake of psychoactive substances. Among them are the most important concepts of acute poisoning (intoxication ), abuse of and dependence on substances and withdrawal syndrome or crisis.

Abuse represents the periodical taking of psychoactive substances that causes damage to health, either physical (as in cases of hepatitis when entering drug by unsterile syringes) or mental (e.g. episodes of a depressive condition in the intensive consumption of alcohol). This all leads to:

Acute intoxication is a transient condition that occurs after the intake of psychoactive substances, when there is a change in mental functioning, with changes of consciousness (commonly sees increased alertness or drowsiness – depending on which drug is in question), altered thought process, sometimes the appearance of hallucinations. It also changes the mood which may cause euphoria, fear or panic attack. The behavior is also changing from hyperactive and fast, with lots of movement and exaggerated expression of emotions to slow, lethargic, where a person works drowsy and distracted. The duration of these changes is different and depends on the type of incorporated substances. In the event that you take excessive doses of a substance that can lead to death, then we talk about an overdose.

· Dependence on psychoactive substances implies the existence of at least three of the following symptoms: craving for taking substances, physical withdrawal syndrome when use of the substance is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of previously effective dose of the substance, preoccupation with substance, neglecting other things, large amount of time for acquisition and taking the substance, as well as continuing exposure to a substance, despite knowledge of its harmful effects. There is a psychological and physical dependence on psychoactive substances. Alcohol, sedatives, and opiates lead to one and to another, other drugs usually lead to a state of psychological dependence whose symptoms can sometimes be very profound and result in deterioration of the overall psychophysical condition of addicts.

Withdrawal syndrome or crisis are a group of symptoms that occur after the termination of the introduction of psychoactive substances that a person is dependent of. Beginning and current abstinence crisis is limited in time and depends on the type and quantity of substances that are taken. Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome can be expressed in the mental and the physical level.

Poly is very common among young people and is at the same time taking more psychoactive substances because it is a combination of different drugs, drugs and alcohol amplify their effects.

Drug abuse is about having a law prohibited drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, heroin or other drugs to which it is possible to reach only by illegal means, as well as the abuse of legal drugs that can get at the pharmacy with a prescription or without a prescription. Some people are starting to abuse drugs to overcome stress and emotional problems while others want to achieve a state of intoxication. Later, when they develop an addiction, people continue to abuse drugs to be able to function and to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Drugs are not the specificity of our century. For them, they knew and prehistoric humans, narcotics are mentioned in Sumerian tablets, the Indian sacred books of the Vedas, the Egyptian papyri, and in China were led real wars over opium. Also, the production of alcoholic beverages began very early. The ancient Egyptians made wine, the Church in Europe used it in the rite of Communion. In Renaissance era, alcohol is posted as an integral part of the European culture. For a long time, drugs were limited to the regions in which they are produced, for example, the hashish was used in the Middle East, khat at the Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, opium in Asia, cocaine in South America, but in the 20th century they got used worldwide. Some of the reasons that contributed this pandemic are: determined legal status of protected substances (Tobacco and alcohol), and somewhere soft drugs (United Kingdom and USA), pharmacological nature of these compounds (lead short-term effect sufficient faction, and then create the need to use increased amounts), as well as social factors such as migration, urbanization, difficulties in adapting to the demands of the new environment and the new circumstances. Today, alcohol and drugs are used wide and this is one of the most widespread and the most serious sociomedical problem of this century. Epidemic use of these substances has affected all countries, both developed and those developing. The World Health Organization reports that more and more people try substances which cause addiction and mostly in the younger age.

Each drug addict goes through different phases:

The first phase – experimentation with drugs

The second phase – the desire for a psychoactive substance

The third phase – losing control

Fourth phase – complete addiction

Factors that lead young people at risk from the use of alcohol and drugs:

Environmental factors:

1. Economic / social poverty – children from socially disadvantaged families, in poor living conditions, whose parents are unemployed, are at a higher risk of delinquent behavior and drug and alcohol abuse 2. Poor neighborhoods and poor organization of society – the neighborhood with a high crime rate and temporary residents does not provide a sense of belonging and stable relationships that exist in well-organized local communities 3. Transition periods and relocation – transition from lower to higher grades or from primary to secondary school, and frequent movings

Laws and social norms that favor use of alcohol and drugs

Easy access to alcohol and drugs

Individual risk factors:

1. Alcoholism in family history – children who were born or brought up in families where there was alcoholism are at higher risk of becoming alcoholics themselves or drug users 2. Poor and inconsistent family education – in families where parents do not have a clear view of what they expect from their children, do not follow their development, where discipline is implemented too harsh 3. Antisocial behavior and hyperactivity – children in early childhood exhibit aggressive behavior combined with hyperactivity

Typically, sober living home function as a structured environment for patients who are leaving rehabilitation programs and who are not ready to live alone. These houses are very different in size and format, but most are associated in some way with the 12-step alcohol, drugs or other programs. An ordinary stay at a Sober Living Home can range from several months to a year. Length of stay might or might not be set and usually depend on a few factors:

Rules of a specific house. Some houses to determine the length of time; many do not.

Resident financial funds. Sober living, and not as expensive as building rehabilitation as a whole, is not cheap, and it is most certain that it will not be covered by insurance. After a short period, the majority of the residents are expected to work on the job.

· Living standards. The Sober living house is not like a family home or apartment. It’s more like a dorm, with significant differences, primarily has to do with the rules. The resident must be capable of living with these differences.

Personality similarities and differences. Residents will live with others, whom they might or might not know in advance. It is important to notice that any disputes are handled without permanent bad feelings.

A regular day at a Sober Living Home

Each Sober Living Home is different, but in general, we can expect the following:

Overall, residents need to get out of bed at a reasonable early time, maybe 7 a.m. Residents need to tidy their beds, and they have little time for morning exercise and meditation that can be performed before breakfast.

· In some homes, residents will prepare their meals; Others employ staff for cooking. All in all, residents will be expected to attend breakfast together.

As the majority of the residents will usually work or attend classes, they need to dress after breakfast and go to school or work. Homes will sometimes keep the van for the arrival of the residents.

After school or work, residents will get back to the house and do certain tasks. This will usually involve everyday tasks such as housework jobs.

House meeting can be called before dinner, at the end of the day, where the manager will discuss both good and bad issues, and work for the resolution of disputes or disputes between residents and between residents and staff.

Often, after the dinner, residents will have the meeting along nearby 12 steps. These meetings can occur as often as the night and residents will be required to attend.

When the residents return to the house, they will have free time until lights go out, where they can read, talk, write letters or watch television.

Houses usually reward the well-behaved with more freedom and extra free time.

Regulations

The most important rule in any sober living house is to participate in the own recovery. This means that alcohol and drugs, even alcohol-based toothpaste and mouthwash, for example, are absolutely prohibited and their possession or use results in eviction. In addition, there are some typical rules:

There is no romantic relationship between the inhabitants. Some houses are coed; those who apply this rule strictly.

Perform required tasks. House staff can work with residents on these for some time, but the lack of cooperation is creating ill feelings among the other residents and impedes recovery.

Sober Living Home might be a right choice for you or your loved ones

Sober living home allows residents to facilitate the return to everyday life while they are remaining in safe and recovery – supported environment. If disorders and/or substance abuse problems co-occur for someone you love and you believe that the long-term and supervised living arrangement will help him/her to practice the principle of sober life, this kind of environment might be the right surrounding.

Heroin is not directly produced from poppy plant it made from morphine which comes from opium poppy. It is one of the highly addictive substance in all drugs. It is widely use in many Asian countries Like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thailand, Tajikistan and also a hub of illegal heroin trafficking. People are taking heroin by injecting or by sniffing through nose. Injecting is the most dangerous way of taking heroine which causes HIV/Aids and Hepatitis. People are unable to control themselves from taking heroine. They did not even think about to leave the addiction due to it adverse withdrawal effects which force them to use more and more heroine. A heroin addict person is like a dead body just breathing due to its addiction. Heroine or any type of drug is never safe to use due t it adverse disadvantageous on physically and mentally health.

Heroin addiction effects

Heroine consumption causes short term effects on addictive person. Its increase the craving to have more drugs for pleasure. Heroin overdose takes you close to death. These effects can cause in

losing control

goose bumps

dry mouth

itching

rush

Hypothermia

Less sensitivity

Behavioral effects

Lying and stealing

Unable to fulfill commitments

Increase sleeping

End of relation with friends, family

Lack of attention

Less confident

Poor work performance

Sudden changes in behavior

Craving for more drug

Physical effects

Liver and skin disease

Skin disease

Overdoses death

Clouded mental function

Contagious disease HIV/hepatitis through injecting heroin

Seizures

body shivering

Kidney disease

Coma

Muscular tiredness

Addiction Treatment

Your desire to treat your addiction is the primary step for heroin addiction treatment. It is worst ever addiction of its kind. Several type of therapy program allowing you to fight with your addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy provides you the assistance to solve current problems and bring changes in thinking and behavior to avoid negative and unhelpful behavior

Art therapy

Art therapy is a process to bring creativity in addictive people .art therapy helps to heel the mental disorders and emotion problems. Art therapy program consist on expressive arts like painting, drawing, digital art, dance music.

Rehabilitation centers

When you need a proper and safe care to make a new life path rehab centers gives you perfect treatment. There are different types of rehab centers when you can easily maintain your sobriety under proper supervisions.

Inpatient rehab centers

Outpatient rehab center

Sober or half way houses

Luxury rehab facilities

Traditional rehab homes

Long-Term Acute Care facilities

Smart recover program

Smart recover is an efficient program which provides tools and support to addicted people to help themselves recover from addiction. This program will remove the negativity in your behavior. Smart recover program assist you to cope with urges and cravings. This program give people confidence to learn problem solving skills which helps them to face the daily challenges. Smart recovery process gives you the spirit to live a balanced life and to achieve the long term goals Motivation, determination and commitment is the success key of a recovery program.

Drug is consists of different substances people use to take drugs by Inhaling it injecting into body or by smoking. When people take drugs its bring change physically and psychologically. This is the fastest growing issue in our society. Majority of the adults are taking drugs without knowing its consequences. The consequences may be very disasters.

Physical Consequences

Physical effects of drug addiction are mention below

Organ damage

Imbalancing of hormones

HIV

Hepatitis

Abdominal pains

Vomiting

Brain damage

Changes in sleeping patterns

Neurological Consequences

Drug abuse effects the brain and psychological system in below mention ways

Violent mood

Memory loss

Paranoia

Less confident

Lack of attention

Less social and moral values

No social activities

Schedule 1 drug

These type of drugs are illegal to use due to its high potential of use and these drugs have no medical use. These drugs includes methaqualone, peyote, Meth, Lsd, heroine.

Drug Addiction Treatment

There is no single or a magic treatment for a drug abuser to bring an instant change its take time and it’s depend on your commitment and willingness whether you want a addiction free life or want to live a miserable life. There are different steps you have to follow for a positive outcome.

Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to battling with drug addiction. If you are willing to quit your addiction then it works like a treatment.Excerice is not only good for health but also good for mental health. People can do different exercises like swimming, cycling, running, weight lifting, and yoga. These things will help to heal your body and brain. You will become more determinant in your daily life. If you will put all your concentration towards a positive change then you will back to a healthy life.

Social Meetings and gatherings

Social life has its own importance in treatment of drug addiction. Being a drug abuser you have a unpleasant social life and activities which also led you to a dead end. IF you want to enjoy a pleasant life time start spending your time with family and friends. This will help you to relive your stress and your friend and family motivate you for a positive life style and also helps you to build a sober social network.

Personal control and cravings in check

Its take time to have a sober life. It’s the beginning of a recovery process that you have to control your thoughts during this time drug cravings may be intense but you can keep going your efforts by avoiding such people places and situation which triggers your urge to use. You have to s top meeting your those friends who are still taking drugs. Avoid bars, clubs,and party places where people use any kind of drug. You have to take precautions in taking prescription drugs which contains potential abusive substance and if necessary to use take extreme precautions.

Inpatient/outpatient/rehab centers/Sober houses/

If you are not able alone to deal with your addictions then these Inpatient, outpatient rehab centers, sober houses, is a very credible approach to overcome drug abuse. These facilities give you proper medical attention and care which helps you in every aspect of recovering. These facilities provide you a peaceful and positive environment to eliminate the negativity.

Aftercare

It is the essential part of the recovery process to prevent relapse. These programs provide you assistance in self help strategies to maintain sobriety and provides you